Frequently Asked Questions
About the Libraries
- What are the locations and hours of the libraries?
- You can find this information by following the Locations and Hours link at the top of any page on our website.
- Who may use the libraries?
- Eligible borrowers include current students, faculty, and staff of Touro College with a valid barcoded Touro ID or library card. Alumni may also use all database resources in the library, and selected resources available via the Alumni Portal. More information is available in our Policies document.
- How do I get a Touro ID?
- Consult the site director of your campus for more information.
- How are late fees calculated?
- There is a charge of $0.10 per day, per item for overdue circulating items. The maximum total late fee for each circulating item is a nonrefundable fee of $15. Late fees for reserve items accrue at a rate of $1 per hour. More information is available in our Policies document.
- How many items are in the Libraries' collections?
- As of January, 2010, Touro College Libraries has a collection of approximately 551,000 items.
- What is your donation policy?
- The policy is available here.
Reserve and EReserve
- What are reserves and e-reserves?
- Reserve items are materials set aside by professors for students' use. Reserve items are kept on the reserve shelves and can only be used in the library for 3 hours at a time.
- Electronic reserves (EReserves) are available via our homepage using the EReserves link. Select your instructor, department, or course name to access the items on reserve. You need a library user name and password to access EReserves from off campus.
Finding articles
- How do I find articles?
- I found an article in a database and it doesn't have full text. How do I get it?
- Many database records have an "Article Linker" for locating the full article. The Article Linker should be clicked on when no full-text is displayed to find out if other databases contain the full-text version of the article.
- If only abstract and bibliographic data is given then also try the EJOURNALS link; plug in the title of the journal, search under the Year, then Volume and Issue.
- If still not found, you can request materials using the Interlibrary Loan Form
Finding and checking out books
- How do I locate a book by using the catalog?
- Click on Books, Journals, Music, Video (Catalog) on the Library homepage; select Title, Author, ISBN, Subject, or Keyword (“Any Field”) from the drop down menu. Type your information and click Go.
- The icon, "Modify/Limit search" allows patrons to limit their search to a specific library location.
- How are books arranged?
- How many books can I borrow from the library and for how long?
- Check out up to 10 books at a time for a loan period of 2 weeks. Items may continue to be renewed unless another borrower has requested them.
- If the book is recalled by the library, it should be returned immediately. The fines for the overdue recalled book will be $1 per day.
- Professors may have the book checked out for up to one semester. However, when late, they must also pay the fines.
- What if my library does not have the book or article I need?
- What is an eBook?
- An eBook is an electronic book that can be accessed via the library website. We have a growing collection of eBooks spanning all academic areas; you can browse them on our eBooks page, or search them in the library catalog. You need to have a username and password to access the e-books collection from off-campus http://www.tourolib.org/services/off-campus.
- How do I renew my books?
Computing Services
- Is there wireless connection in the library?
- What do I need to do to get connected with my laptop?
- Where can I access email?
- Email cannot be accessed in the library, but you may access it in the computer labs.
- Where can I type my papers?
- In the computer labs or the Women's Building Library only.
Other Library Services
- Can I borrow a dictionary for my exam?
- No. As reference books, dictionaries do not circulate.
- Do you have a collection of DVDs and videos?
- Yes, for faculty loan only. Students can view DVDs/videos in their respective libraries.
- Do you have copy machines?
- Most of our libraries do have copy machines. We suggest, however, that you call your site to make sure we have copy machines available for you. Copies generally cost 10¢ per page.
Getting Help
- How can I learn to use the library?
- Individual instruction and Library Orientations for class groups are offered by the Libraries.
- Additionally, there are online tutorials at Guides & Tutorials.
- How can I get research assistance?
- In person at the libraries
- Chat at the Library’s homepage (instant messaging)
- Email a librarian via the Library’s homepage (expect an answer within 24-48 hours)
- By phone
- What is the username and password for accessing password-protected materials from off campus?
- Go to this page and look for your Touro division for more information
- Who do I contact if I am having technical trouble with the Touro databases offsite?
- Where would I get help with citation styles?
- How do I locate NoodleTools (a bibliographic citation generator) on the website and how do I use it?
